Broken Arrow Council Allows Injured Kangaroo In City Limits, With Permit

NewsOn6.com

BROKEN ARROW, Oklahoma -- A Broken Arrow woman will be allowed to keep a partially disabled kangaroo in her house for use as a therapy animal, as long as she gets a permit.

The Broken Arrow City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to create an exotic animal ordinance exemption that will allow Irwin the red kangaroo to stay within city limits so long as certain conditions are met.

The ordinance would allow owners to keep their pets if they obtain a newly-created permit requiring them to have a $50,000 insurance policy for any injuries inflicted by the animal, certification that the animal has adequate housing for its health and to meet all federal and state guidelines for licensing.

Last month, an anonymous donor paid the liability insurance for kangaroo owner Christie Carr.

Stephanie Higgins, Broken Arrow's director of communications, thinks Carr won't have any problems getting a permit.

"We don't foresee her having a problem obtaining a permit, but it will be up to the exotic animal committee and the council," said Higgins.

Higgins said the new ordinance calls for the exotic animal committee to be made up of veterinarians and other who have experience with animal sanctuaries.

4/21/2011 Related Story: Irwin The Kangaroo Gets Help From Anonymous Friend

"Irwin's done more for me than I could ever do for him," Carr has said.

Carr attempted suicide a while back and was working in the sanctuary as part of her therapy when she met and adopted Irwin.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.